What could be more appealing than having gorgeous, shiny, and healthy hair? However, your hair requires a great deal of attention and patience. Not everyone is willing to commit to frequent haircuts, hair products, and other therapeutic interventions. Not to forget choosing what to put and what not to put in your hair. Using natural substances that are not chemically damaging to your hair will help make this job easier. Shikakai, the hair fruit, has been utilized for ages as a herbal medicine and hair care treatment. In addition, this natural ingredient is a strong cleansing agent, commonly used as a shampoo alternative. Shikakai is also rich in vitamins A, C, K, and D and antioxidants that replenish and take care of hair health. The fruit, particularly in powdered form, is readily available. Here’s how it can help you grow your hair faster. Keep reading!
Benefits Of Shikakai For Hair Growth
1. Induces Hair Growth
Research shows that shikakai exhibits hair growth-promoting activity (1). What Are Its Benefits? It may induce hair growth, prevent premature grays, soothe the scalp, and boost overall hair health. Who Can Use It? Since shikakai is extremely gentle on your hair and scalp, it is suitable for all hair types. How Often? You can use most DIY shikakai hair masks 1-2 times a week. Caution Using shikakai every day can dry out your tresses and make your scalp oily.
2. Soothes Your Scalp
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Shikakai has antibacterial and antifungal properties (2). It can soothe an inflamed scalp and restore its health (3). It also helps maintain the optimum pH level of your scalp.
3. Fights Dandruff
Shikakai has anti-fungal properties that makes it an effective, natural anti-dandruff solution (1), (2). This prevents issues like follicle cloggingi Red or white pimple-like inflammation of the hair follicles commonly caused due to bacterial infection. and aggravation, leading to unhindered hair growth. It can also help reduce dryness and itching.
4. Nourishes Your Follicles
Shikakai is a great source of essential vitamins. Its vitamin C content can help promote hair growth by giving your scalp a collagen boost (4). It is also a great source of antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage.
5. Cleanses Your Hair
Shikakai has saponins that make it a natural mild cleanser. This means that it cleanses your hair without stripping away the natural oils from it. This keeps your hair clean and conditioned.
6. Adds Shine
Shikakai helps add shine to your hair while also making it much more manageable. If you have a tangle problem, it would be a good idea to include this ingredient in your hair care routine.
7. Prevents Grays
Using shikakai can help put off your hair’s natural graying process. It can also effectively deal with issues like premature graying. Washing your hair with shikakai before you dye it will also allow your hair to absorb the dye better.
8. Curbs Hair Loss
Shikakai may help curb hair loss by restoring scalp health. It effectively deals with issues like anaggravated scalpi Inflammation of the scalp that can occur due to infections, scalp pimples or even pressure from tight hairstyles. , follicle clogging, dandruff, and itching (1), (2), (3). In many cases, curbing hair fall is as simple as restoring scalp health.
9. Prevents Lice
There is nothing more annoying than head lice. Anecdotal evidence suggests that shikakai may be a natural solution to a head lice problem. Not only does it curb the problem, but it also keeps the head lice away for good with regular use. However, there are no scientific studies to prove these effects. Maicurls, a blogger, shared her experience of using shikakai for her hair in her blog. She said, “My scalp felt and looked really clean as did the length of my hair. My hair did not feel overly dry (i).” Here’s how you can use shikakai to reap its benefits.
How To Use Shikakai For Hair Growth
1. Shikakai Shampoo With Amla And Reetha
Shikakai is an inexpensive and healthier alternative to store-bought shampoos that are laden with harsh chemicals. Studies show that amla may promote hair growth by prolonging the anagen phasei Active growing phase of the hair follicles during which the hair grows about 1-1.3 cm every 28 days. of hair growth (5). Reetha can help cleanse the scalp and remove dirt and oil build-up (6). This herbal shampoo helps nourish the scalp with nutrients while also cleansing it.
5 shikakai pods 5 reetha pods 1 tablespoon of amla powder 750 mL water
(You can also use the powdered forms of these ingredients.) 8 hours+20 minutes 5 minutes 2-3 times a week.
2. Shikakai And Curd Hair Mask
Curd can help soothe the scalp and condition your hair. It can also effectively deal with issues like dandruff and flaking while making your hair soft and healthy (7).
2 tablespoons shikakai powder 2-3 tablespoons curd 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil (optional) Shower cap
5 minutes 20 minutes 1-2 times a week.
3. Shikakai And Egg
This is one of the most nourishing hair packs you could use. It is packed with egg proteins and Ayurvedic ingredients that improve hair health (8). Using such natural hair packs once a week may ensure your hair grows faster and becomes stronger, shinier, and healthier. This is also a brilliant remedy for hair fall.
2 teaspoons amla powder 2 teaspoons shikakai powder 2 teaspoons fenugreek powder 2 teaspoons triphala powder 2 teaspoons brahmi powder 2 whole eggs Shower cap
5 minutes 40 minutes Once a week.
4. Shikakai Oil For Hair Growth
Shikakai hair oil helps boost hair growth by improving the circulation of blood in your scalp. It also keeps your follicles nourished and hair conditioned.
1 tablespoon shikakai powder 1/2 cup basil/coconut/avocado oil
2 weeks 45 minutes-overnight 2-3 times a week.
5. Shikakai And Honey Hair Rinse
1 tablespoon shikakai powder 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 cup filtered water
20 minutes 5 minutes Once a week. While shikakai is generally considered safe and beneficial for hair, it may cause side effects in some individuals, especially if used excessively or in improper formulations. We have discussed a few of those in the next section. Continue reading.
Side Effects Of Shikakai On Hair
Excess Scalp Dryness: Shikakai’s natural cleansing properties may lead to excess scalp dryness if not adequately balanced with moisturizing agents. Hair Brittleness: Overuse of shikakai or using it in higher concentrations might make the hair dry and brittle and cause breakage. Scalp Irritation: Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, may experience mild scalp irritation or allergic reactions.
It is best to use shikakai in the appropriate dilutions. Combine it with suitable moisturizing ingredients and conduct a patch test first to ensure it suits your skin and hair type. The advent of shampoo has not been able to eradicate the use of hair soaps altogether and for a good reason. With how busy our lives have gotten, it can be hard to give your hair the care and attention that it deserves. Here is a list of the top shikakai soaps you can use for the days when you cannot seem to catch a minute for yourself. These shikakai hair soaps are definitely among the best cleansing products you could use for your hair. How long can I leave shikakai on my hair? You can leave shikakai oil in your hair overnight and wash it off in the morning. Does shikakai powder expire? Yes. Shikakai powder can lose its effectiveness over time. If stored properly in a fridge or in a cool, dark place, shikakai powder lasts up to 2 years. If the powder starts smelling odd, it is time to throw it out. Does shikakai darken hair? No. Shikakai does not dye the hair. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it moisturizes the hair enough to prevent premature graying and retain darker hair color for a longer time.
Illustration: How To Use Shikakai For Hair Growth
Discover the natural power of shikakai from this interesting video. Get beautiful and healthy hair with this gentle, yet effective cleanser. Scroll down to watch the video.
